An Internet search under "surfactants environment" will turn up numerous sources of information from different viewpoints.

The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), which repesents chemical companies and manufacturers, takes the following position: "Extensive laboratory testing and ''real-world'' monitoring studies have shown that the major surfactants biodegrade quickly and thoroughly and do not present a risk to organisms living in the environment. The slight differences in biodegradation rates ... — Lynn E. Krafft, ICAN-ATEX Associate Editor, lekrafft@juno.com